IIME Morning Brief · September 29, 2026

President Trump rejected Iran’s proposed seven-day ceasefire, though officials say a negotiated end to the war remains possible. Maritime disruption is reshaping regional energy flows as Gulf oil exports rebound, Iraq uses a Syrian import route and Saudi Arabia urges protection of navigation.

President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposed seven-day ceasefire — The Wall Street Journal.

U.S. and Iranian officials say they still see a chance for a negotiated end to the Iran war despite Trump’s rejection of Tehran’s latest offer — The Washington Post.

Iran is facing an increasingly open domestic debate over whether to pursue a nuclear weapon — The Wall Street Journal.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Navy says it seized a U.S. Remus 600 autonomous underwater vehicle in the Strait of Hormuz — The Jerusalem Post.

Saudi Arabia warned the United Nations that attempts to block Middle Eastern waterways threaten global energy security — The Times of Israel.

Iraq began using a Syrian route for petrol imports after being unable to move barrels through the Strait of Hormuz — TradeWinds.

Gulf states are keeping oil flowing during the Iran war but face mounting costs — AP.

Middle Eastern oil exports rebounded in September as Saudi Arabia increased shipments — Reuters.

Continued Middle East disruption and competition for LNG cargos are contributing to Europe’s winter energy squeeze — Euronews.

Washington is pressing for a fundamental restructuring of Hezbollah’s disarmament process — L'Orient-Le Jour.

France is pressing Beirut to reach an IMF agreement while Lebanon’s central bank continues to resist — L'Orient-Le Jour.

Israel revoked the diplomatic status of Dutch diplomats representing the Netherlands at the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah — Reuters.

Hamas intends to run as part of a coalition in November’s Palestinian Legislative Council elections, according to leader Khalil al-Hayya — The Jerusalem Post.

Israel’s attorney general postponed tenders for the E1 settlement project until after the October 27 election — The Times of Israel.

The number of people fleeing Sudan for Chad has sharply increased, the U.N. refugee agency says — Reuters.

Iraq agrees to a Turkish base deal as debate continues over the timetable for militia disarmament — FDD's Long War Journal.

Egypt settled nearly 90% of the debt it owes its National Investment Bank, covering EGP299 billion ($6 billion) — AGBI.

The UAE is planning a second $25 billion investment in India focused on minerals, ports and markets — AGBI.

India is working with the UAE to expand strategic petroleum reserves — Newsquawk.